High Court upholds lower court verdict on airport protesters
Defendants given a three-year suspended sentence
Some of the protesters with their legal representation
High Court has upheld the Criminal Court verdict on protesters in former Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) back in March, 2015. Criminal Court sentenced 15 individuals for three months on a three-year suspended sentence.
The group was charged for having protested in INIA’s departure hall terminal calling to free former President Mohamed Nasheed.
The protesters are:
- Male’ City Deputy Mayor, Sifa Mohamed
- Zahura Moosa, Dhonad, Gn. Fuvahmulah
- Shameema Adamfulhu, M. New Hilman
- Shafiyya Zubair, H. Veyovilla
- Mohamed Ibrahim Manik, Ma. Naaringuge
- Mariyam Zubair, Kalhumagigey S. Hulhudhoo
- Khadheeja Shadhiya, Schedulus S. Hithadhoo
- Fathimath Rasheed, Male’ Municipality Special Register number 5866
- Fareesha Ahmed, H. Tivegalight
- Aminath Zimna, M. Thanthaara
- Aminath Zahira, G. Aakaashvilla
- Aishath Mamdhoohaa, G. Dhuvaafaru
- Aminath Dhumaina Irushad, Ma. Beachhouse
- Yumna, M. Fehifaiy
They were sentenced under clause 88 (a) of the Penal Code, referencing clause 24 (7) of the Freedom of Assembly Act.
The Criminal Court verdict in March last year, states that the Court was not able to review the case of Aminath Shaaneez Saeed (M. Nirolhu), who had not attended any hearings.
Their lawyer Nazim Sattar in High Court noted the verdict was delivered on the basis of the testimony of one Police officer. He also noted only one person had testified the group had protested in INIA.
The verdict noted they did not have any proof from Police authorizing their protest in INIA. Additionally, the verdict noted the defense had not put forth any arguments that nullified the prosecution’s evidence.
The Judge had decreed the verdict is a suspended one for three years, with the stipulation that during this period if any one of them is proven guilty of any other crime, then they have to serve this sentence as well.
